Safety

1/32 Nationals 2026

Motor Shields for the Sports/GT Class

Following careful consideration, the British Slot Car Racing Association (BSCRA) has concluded that the potential risk of injury resulting from brushless motor component failure at very high rotational speeds is significant and should be addressed.

Evidence indicates that this risk is primarily associated with high-Kv motors, particularly those fitted with modified bells. The concern relates to rotational speed rather than overall motor power.

To mitigate this risk, it is strongly recommended that all Sports/GT motors are fitted with an appropriate motor guard (shield), similar to the example shown below.

Ready-made guards are available from Richard Mack and will be supplied in limited quantities. Orders can be placed via email at:

Dickytenkids@btinternet.com

As the guards are small and require boxed packaging, group or club orders are preferred. Cost is £5 per guard, plus postage.

Guards manufactured independently may be permitted; however, they will be carefully inspected during technical control. A more formalised requirement may be introduced in a future rules update.

At the 1/32 Nationals this recommendation applies specifically to the Sports/GT class. Their use is strongly encouraged in the interests of competitor and marshal safety.

Important Notice for Racers Entering the 2026 1/32 Nationals

Eye Protection

BSCRA has identified a serious risk of injury from airborne cars. To mitigate this risk we strongly recommend for marshals to wear safety glasses to protect against eye injury from airborne cars. BSCRA has invested in sufficient pairs for the National Finals. If you prefer, you can provide and wear your own. If you decide to marshal and ignore these recommendations, you will do so at your own risk.

Why are we doing this?

Thank you to everybody who has posted their views and concerns about the introduction of motor guards for Sports/GT at the 1/32 Nationals. This response covers all questions raised - including from anonymous members.

Is this ISRA or BSCRA led?
This is a BSCRA led initiative. We do not need to wait for ISRA to arrive at a solution. This is to protect our racers in the UK.

Mandatory or not?
There are a number of factors that led to the rule being 'Strongly Recommended'. 1 We could not expect to reject cars at tech because they could not physically fit a guard around their motor 2 The ready made guard from Richard may not fit all motors in use, it will not fit 3-hole motors and may not fit self installed motor brackets 3 We have limited data to evidence their effectiveness But we still are sufficiently concerned about the risk so doing nothing is not an option - hence the decision to take this step and Strongly Recommend competitors to conform.

Does the rule go far - Should the rule be applied to all brushless motors?
We have determined that the risk is restricted to the revolution speed of the motor. Any manufacturer claimed Kv rating cannot be relied on. We will not be able to identify 'at risk' motors visually. Richard Mack has conducted some destructive tests and concluded that RPM and voltage are key factors to a failure. The test evidence we have shows a risk of rotor failure exists with the high revving motors used in the sports class hence the blanket ruling for the Sports class. The gear ratios available in F1 will not allow such high revving motors to be used so are outside the high risk area. The even lower revving motors mandated in brushless INTRO 32 are even further away from the risk area.

Should the rule change be subject to a member vote?

BSCRA believes it should make this rule change under the 'extraordinary circumstances' clause in the constitution in which case a membership vote is not required. As an addendum to this discussion, BSCRA also believes that wearing safety glasses while marshalling is a VERY sensible precaution to avoid the most serious of dangers. We have invested in glasses for the 1/32 Nationals and strongly recommend marshals wearing them and racers should be encouraged to provide their own.